Developing a Strong Mind When Everyone Else is Losing Theirs
People are panicking. They’re stressed and hoarding and panic buying. Get on social media, and everyone and their plumber is going on and on about the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the coronavirus is a serious matter and is cause for concern, it’s still no excuse to get sucked into the current whirlwind of fake news, panic, and stress that is sweeping the world.
- The truth is that…
No one has any answers and the facts keep changing daily. You can’t trust the media because they’ll make any situation seem worse than it already is.
People are making things harder than it needs to be by clearing the store shelves and hoarding. You could try explaining to them that their actions are unnecessary because supply chains are still strong… and there are no shortages other than the ones people are creating through panic.
But most won’t listen and you’ll just get aggravated by the stupidity of your fellow man. So, how do you stay calm when so many are worried?
- Stop following the news and/or hysteria on social media
The best way to strengthen your mind is to stop feeding it garbage.
Governments lie. You do NOT know if the situation in China has gotten better or if that’s just another lie from the Chinese government.
Most people are clueless. Just a few months ago, they were jumping out of their cars to do the Kiki dance challenge, and suddenly now they’re virologists speculating about why deaths are increasing in Italy.
Engaging in pointless dialectic with them is unnecessary. The situation is what it is and the healthcare professionals and authorities will do the needful to manage the problem.
You worrying unnecessarily is not going to help you. You’re doing a disservice to yourself because stress lowers your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to disease.
- Exercise daily
Nervous energy, fear, and other unhealthy emotions tend to ‘snowball’ within you. There MUST be an outlet for this negative energy and nothing beats physical exercise as a form of release.
When you work out, you help to expend all that pent up energy within you and your body also releases endorphins that will make you feel better. This is a win-win.
Ideally, you should engage in exercises that occupy both your mind and body. For example, following a home workout on video will help you focus on the training rather than drifting into your thoughts.
If you were to run on a treadmill which is an exercise you can do on ‘autopilot’, you’ll end up thinking of other worrying scenarios rather than focusing on your training.
Your body needs movement and your mind needs a mental break. Engage in activities like kickboxing, bodyweight training, juggling, etc. to engage both your mind and body.
- Stay busy
An idle mind is a devil’s workshop. As long as you’re in pursuit of a worthy goal and busy with what needs to be done to get there, you’ll not have time to worry about what’s the worst that could happen.
Any fears and worries you have about COVID-19 are all in your mind. You’re a prisoner to your imagination. Put your mind to work on something else and you’ll be less stressed.
- Prayer
Over the past few years, religion has been mocked and it has almost become uncool to believe in God. Atheists and other groups make it seem like belief in God are pointless and not based on science.
The truth of the matter is that there is immense power in prayer. Praying and surrendering your worries to a higher power removes stress from your life because you’re now living by faith, not sight.
Come what may, you’re in the palm of His hand and there’s no point in worrying over what’s beyond your control.
- Be safe
Take all the necessary health precautions to protect yourself and your family. You do not want to deal with the guilt of having a lackadaisical attitude which raises the risks of getting the disease.
- Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.
Life goes on. Despite the food shortages due to hoarding, or the lockdown, or possible unemployment and recession… decide that you will be resilient and adapt to the situation.
The kite rises against the wind, not with it. You will rise and overcome this situation.
To conclude, just know that all you can do is your best… and that’s enough. If you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to minimize your risks, you’ve done enough.
Don’t give in to panic or fear. Neither is real. You have what it takes to overcome anything. Have faith in yourself.
“You can destroy your now by worrying about tomorrow.” – Janis Joplin
#bodymindspirit
